{"alias":"contentPage","byline":null,"standfirst":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EThe move from Explorer Scouts into Scout Network, or other post\u201118 involvement, is an important step in a young person\u2019s journey in Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAt this stage, young people are often balancing significant changes in their lives, such as exams, work, further education or moving away from home. Scouts can continue to play a valuable role, but the next steps need to feel clear, flexible and welcoming.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA positive transition helps young people stay connected in a way that works for them, both now and in the future.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EUnderstanding this stage of transition\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EApproaching 18 can feel like a turning point. Alongside personal milestones, a young person\u2019s role within Scouts also changes.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESome young people are ready and excited to continue straight away. Others may be unsure how Scouts fits alongside new commitments.\u003Cbr\u003ESupport at this stage is about maintaining connection, offering clarity and helping young people see how Scouts can adapt to their lives.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EStarting conversations early\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EConversations about what comes next are most helpful when they begin early and continue over time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ERather than a single discussion close to a young person\u2019s 18th birthday, regular, informal conversations give space to explore options and ask questions.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese conversations can include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EExplaining what Scout Network is and how it works locally\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETalking about how involvement can fit around study, work or other commitments\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHighlighting opportunities in adult volunteering and leadership roles\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EReassuring young people that involvement can be flexible\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EClear, honest conversations help young people feel informed and able to make decisions that suit them.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EMaking opportunities visible and accessible\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYoung people are more likely to stay involved when they can clearly see what their next step looks like.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EScout Network and other post\u201118 opportunities feel more approachable when young people can experience them or meet the people involved.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThis can include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInviting Network members to connect with Explorer Units\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOffering opportunities for older Explorers to experience Network\u2011style activities with appropriate support\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERunning joint Explorer\u2013Network activities, such as social events, skills sessions or projects, to build familiarity and shared experiences\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESharing simple, clear information about what is available locally\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBuilding connections with the wider 18\u201325 community in Scouts\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EJoint activities allow young people to build relationships naturally, helping them feel part of the wider community before they move on.\u003Cbr\u003EWhen young people can picture themselves in the next stage, it becomes much easier to take that step.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003ESupporting the move at 18\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe transition at 18 is a natural progression, but it can still feel abrupt if young people are unprepared.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EPreparing in advance and keeping communication open helps make this step feel like a continuation of their journey rather than an ending.\u003Cbr\u003ESupportive approaches include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMaking sure young people understand what will happen as they approach 18\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHelping them plan their next steps in advance\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EStaying in touch during periods of change, even if they step back temporarily\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOffering encouragement and support when they are ready to re\u2011engage\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA strong message at this stage is that Scouts remains open and available, even if involvement changes over time.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003ERecognising different pathways\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere is no single \u201Cright\u201D next step at 18.\u0026nbsp;Some young people will move into Scout Network and take part regularly. Others may choose to volunteer, support younger sections, or stay involved more informally. Some may take a break and return later.\u00A0All of these are positive outcomes.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESupport can focus on:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPresenting a range of options, including Network and volunteering\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EValuing different levels of involvement\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAvoiding pressure to commit to more than feels manageable\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeeping relationships positive, regardless of the path chosen\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen young people feel trusted to choose what works for them, they are more likely to stay connected in the long term.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003EKeeping the door open\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA young person\u2019s involvement in Scouts may change as their life changes. Periods of increased commitment may be followed by times when they need to step back.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EMaintaining a welcoming, flexible approach helps ensure that young people feel comfortable returning when the time is right.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ESimple actions can make a big difference:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeeping in touch, even when young people are less active\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESharing opportunities that may fit their current circumstances\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWelcoming returning members without expectation or judgement\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EScouts does not need to be continuous to be meaningful. Staying connected over time is what matters most.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Plain","cta":"","body":"\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EStart early conversations to help young people explore their options and feel confident about what\u2019s next.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMake Scout Network and post\u201118 opportunities visible, relatable and easy to access.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPrepare young people in advance so the move at 18 feels like a natural continuation.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERecognise different pathways and support flexible, individual choices.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep the door open with ongoing connection and a welcoming, no\u2011pressure approach.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#003982","title":"Top Tips for Transition","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":"Find out how you can create a positive transition for Explorers moving up to Network.","pageType":null,"location":null,"browserTitle":"","versionDate":"17 June 2026","reviewDate":"01/01/0001","redirectUrl":"","id":90041,"nodeName":"Supporting a Successful Transition - Explorers to Network","title":"Supporting a Successful Transition - Explorers to Network","type":"contentPage","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Supporting a Successful Transition - Explorers to Network","headerSubTitle":"Find out how you can create a positive transition for Explorers moving up to Network","headerCta":"","headerCtaText":"","headerCtaLink":"","headerBackgroundColour":"","showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":[]},"subHeader":"Find out how you can create a positive transition for Explorers moving up to Network.","silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC85MDA0MSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/running-an-explorer-unit/explorer-guidance-and-support/supporting-a-successful-transition-explorers-to-network/"}